Electric vehicle sales may not have skyrocketed in 2024 like some had hoped, but 2025 is off to a much stronger start. New data shows that electrified vehicles are moving in record numbers across all major global markets. The momentum is clear, though looming policy changes, particularly cuts in subsidies and new tariffs under the Trump administration, could start to cool things down as the year progresses.

According to global sales data, about 4.1 million electrified vehicles, including both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), were sold during the first quarter of the year. That’s a solid 29 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, based on numbers from Rho Motion.

Read: US EV Sales Jump In Q1, But The Biggest Losers Might Surprise You

In North America, roughly half a million electrified vehicles were sold in the first quarter of this year, marking a 16 percent increase over the same period last year. The breakdown between EVs and PHEVs isn’t disclosed at the regional level, but earlier data from Cox Automotive and Kelley Blue Book shows that 296,227 pure electric vehicles were sold in the USA during Q1. That represents an 11.4 percent increase year over year.

Overall, demand for electrified vehicles continues to climb, though other global markets are seeing even sharper growth.

Europe saw stronger growth, with about 900,000 electrified vehicles sold through January, February, and March. That’s a 22 percent increase overall. Battery electric vehicle sales alone rose by 27 percent, while plug-in hybrid growth was slower at 10 percent. Some countries stood out with particularly sharp gains, including Italy with a 64 percent jump, Germany up 34 percent, and the UK growing 42 percent.

China continues to lead as the largest individual nation of EVs and PHEVs. This year, no less than 2.4 million electrified vehicles have been sold in the country, up 36% from last year. The rest of the world has been lumped together in a single category, with sales increasing 27% to around 300,000 vehicles sold.

Q1 2025 vs 2024 EV & PHEV SALES

According to Rho Motion, roughly three-fifths of EV and PHEV models sold in the US are produced domestically, with the rest typically coming from Japan, Korea, and Mexico. As new tariffs go into effect, prices for these imported models are expected to rise. ICE vehicles will see price increases as well.

“This quarter, while turbulent, has seen a strong rate of growth globally for the EV market,” Rho Motion data manager Charles Lester said. “Some countries, such as the UK, had a record-breaking March as drivers continue to go electric. The removal of subsidies in France has had a shrinking effect on sales which are down 18%.”

Buying a brand-new car is supposed to bring excitement, not the slow-burning dread of a major failure before the odometer even hits four digits. But for one unlucky Acura ZDX owner, that sense of new-car bliss barely lasted 400 miles (643 km). That’s when things went south.

A customer from Criswell Acura in Annapolis, Maryland, was informed their 2024 Acura ZDX needed an entirely new battery pack. Now the dealership itself is suing American Honda Motor Company in an effort to recover its losses from the ordeal.

More: New Lawsuit Might Force Ford To Change Mustang Mach-E Door Handles

According to the lawsuit, Criswell Acura purchased the ZDX wholesale for $69,207 in May 2024, then sold it to a customer shortly after. But just 400 miles into ownership, the new owner discovered that the electric SUV could no longer fully charge. Once the problem was reported, the dealership followed Acura’s recommendation and ordered a replacement battery pack. While the customer waited, the situation worsened. The ZDX eventually stopped charging altogether, and even the doors became inoperable.

One Fix Leads to Another

The dealership installed the new battery pack, but that wasn’t the end of the problems. After the install, a rear wheel sensor started playing up, and after being replaced, an error code still appeared. Acura’s tech line told the dealer to install a new harness from its inventory. Despite following these instructions, the error code remained, Auto News reports.

Criswell Acura claims that subsequent “requests for assistance from Honda have been virtually ignored. ” Nearly eight months later, the ZDX remains at the dealership, still undriveable. While the exact cause of the issues remains unknown, the dealer suspects the problems stem from the “result of bad design, manufacturer’s defect, installation, or pre-delivery damage.”

Under the terms of its dealer agreement, Honda is supposed to be responsible for any alleged manufacturing or design defects in Acura products. The lawsuit argues that this obligation hasn’t been met. The vehicle is “completely undriveable and unable to be repaired,” it states.

Criswell Acura is seeking damages for breach of contract and unjust enrichment. The dealer has been forced to take a total loss on the SUV, claims it has lost profits from the sale to a customer, paid licensing and registration fees, and incurred considerable repair costs.

The case highlights the potential risks dealers face as EVs become more complex, especially when support from the manufacturer falls short.

As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, one thing has remained constant: Tesla’s commanding lead, even as it faces recent setbacks. That dominance, according to Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, has less to do with brand loyalty and more to do with the lack of compelling alternatives, especially for buyers looking in the sub-$50,000 range.

But that may be about to change. Rivian’s upcoming R2 and R3 models are expected to come in below that price point, and with more automakers entering the space, consumers could soon have some real competition to consider

Rivian, much like Tesla in its early days, has taken the approach of launching with higher-end vehicles before branching into more affordable territory. In a recent interview with Fox Business, Scaringe emphasized that increasing consumer choice is key to growing EV adoption. More options, he said, will help drive the industry forward and increase EVs’ share of overall vehicle sales.

Read: Rivian Stacks Discounts Like Pancakes To Steal Tesla Owners After Q1 Sales Crash

“If you’re looking at buying an electric vehicle for under $50,000 today, there’s really very, very few highly compelling choices,” Scaringe said. “And for that reason, you’ve seen Tesla with very significant market share for a long time now, over 50% of the market share, and that’s actually a reflection of limited grade choices. And so what we need to see to go from 8% to 15 to 20 to eventually 100% of vehicle sales being electric, a lot of choice.”

More Models, More Buyers

Scaringe also noted that “choice” doesn’t just mean more brands offering EVs. It includes variety in styling, form factor, feature sets, and design. The broader and more diverse the lineup across the industry, the more likely consumers are to find something that fits their needs – and to leave internal combustion behind.

The Rivian CEO’s comments reflect a growing belief in the industry that EVs need to meet buyers where they are. While early adopters were often willing to pay a premium or compromise on certain features, mainstream customers are looking for affordability, practicality, and familiarity. Rivian’s push into sub-$50K territory could help shift that balance and bring more first-time EV buyers into the fold.

Tariff Troubles

The conversation with Fox also turned to trade policy, where Scaringe discussed the impact of tariffs introduced during the Trump administration. Although Rivian builds its vehicles in the United States, including motors, software, batteries, and electronics, it still depends on a complex international supply chain.

“One of the things with automotive is the supply chain is so complex, where we have hundreds of suppliers providing parts from, say, a headlight or a tow hook or tires or the structure under the skin here that are coming from not only a set of suppliers that supply to us, but those suppliers have suppliers, and then in turn, those suppliers have suppliers, so there’s tier two, tier three,” he said. “So in our case, it is a mix. Given the new environment from a tariff point of view, we’re working really hard to see what we can change, but they’re difficult to change.”

While Rivian may be less exposed than some of its competitors to US tariffs, it isn’t completely insulated. Scaringe also raised concerns about trade restrictions on rare earth elements, especially those processed in China. Though rare earths are mined in many regions, China controls a large share of the refining process, creating a chokepoint in the EV supply chain.

“When we think about the tariffs, of course the 25% auto tariff hits everybody,” Rivian’s boss added. “We do rely on a supply chain that across its tiers has a number of components that come from other countries and then, importantly, the trade restrictions and what we’re seeing in terms of rare earth metals out of China, that’s a real challenge for electric vehicles.” 

Electric vehicles have come a long way since the Nissan Leaf first rolled onto the scene as the first mass-produced EV. Back then, it was a trailblazer. Today, it’s starting to feel like a relic. With new automakers crowding the EV space and established brands launching models that outperform the Leaf in nearly every way, Nissan’s once-groundbreaking EV is clearly overdue for a major refresh. Fortunately, a next-generation Leaf is on the horizon, and it’s promising to be much better.

Read: All The New Nissan Models Arriving By 2027, From Sentra To Frontier

The new-generation Nissan Leaf will transition into a crossover, taking design inspiration from the Chill-Out Concept. That means a more spacious cabin, a fresh look, and a big step forward in technology. Perhaps most importantly, Nissan plans to give the new model a much longer, more practical driving range. But how much longer?

A Major Range Boost

Speaking with Car and Driver at the New York Auto Show, Nissan senior vice president and chief planning officer Ponz Pandikuthira revealed it’ll have a driving range of over 300 miles (482 km). Like the current Leaf, the new model will probably be offered with different battery pack sizes, and this range figure may only be for the long-range version.

Still, the quoted “over 300 miles” of range is a healthy amount more than the peak 212 miles (341 km) offered by the current Leaf SV Plus. The driving range of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 varies between 245 miles (394 km) and 318 miles (512 km), depending on configuration, so the Leaf should land somewhere in this region.

Nissan is also promising faster charging capabilities and will equip the new Leaf with a standard NACS port. One notable omission, though, is all-wheel drive. Nissan says there won’t be a dual-motor version, so front-wheel drive will remain the only option for now.

Spy shots of the 2026 Leaf testing last year give us a hint of what’s coming. The new model sits higher than the current version, emphasizing its crossover shift, but it will still be smaller than the Nissan Ariya. Interior details haven’t been revealed yet, but expect it to follow the lead of other new Nissan models, likely featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large central infotainment display.

Baldauf

This year will be an important one for Ferrari. Not only could it enjoy some success in Formula 1, but it will also unveil its first EV. While the idea of an electric car from Ferrari may rub plenty of people the wrong way, the groundwork for the car has been laid for many years, and it’ll be shown to the world at its Capital Markets Day on October 9.

So far, we have spotted the Ferrari EV testing on a handful of occasions, but Maranello has remained tight-lipped about it. While speaking during the company’s recent annual shareholders’ meeting, both Ferrari’s chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna referred to the model as the Ferrari Elettrica and said the car has been years in the making.

Read: Ferrari’s First EV Spied Up Close While Charging

“Electrification has been a path that we’ve been pursuing now for decades, starting in Formula One and then from our race cars to our sports cars,” Ferrari Chairman John Elkann said during the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting, according to Reuters. “We are very excited about unveiling the Ferrari Elettrica (electric)”.

Elkann also emphasized the company’s commitment to keeping its innovation in-house even with EVs. “Now, we can also claim that all our key electric components are developed and handcrafted in Maranello,” he said.

It’s unclear if the Elettrica name will stick for production, but some think there’s a good chance it will. After all, Ferrari isn’t a stranger to using very literal Italian words in the names of its vehicles, just like it’s done with the new 12Cilindri.

To get ready to build its first EV, Ferrari has ramped up its investments in electrification. In April 2024, it opened its new E-Cells Lab with the University of Bologna and NXP. This research center has been created to enhance the automaker’s knowledge of materials and the “chemical and physical properties of lithium cells”. It says it has filed 200 battery-related patents in the past year.

In June last year, it also opened its e-building, which is where the next generation of Ferrari cars will be built. Purists will be pleased to know that Ferrari remains as Italian as ever, and this will not change with the Elettrica. Indeed, the brand says all of its “battery modules, electric axles, inverters, and electric engines are developed and handcrafted in Maranello.”

Ferrari’s EV will not be positioned as an out-and-out sports car. Instead, spy shots of test mules have shown it could take the shape of a hatchback-like crossover complete with four doors. It is also shaping up to feature a trick “sound reproduction device” that the company patented back in 2023, allowing it to mimic the soundtrack of an ICE powertrain.

SHProshots

Update: Mazda has released more details about its new Chinese-market EZ-60, which will also be sold globally – just not in the US. In Europe and other regions, it will likely go by the name CX-6e. For the first time, we’re getting a look inside the compact SUV. Check out the updated article below for the full breakdown.

Mazda has been playing catch-up in the EV world, but now it’s showing a bit more of its hand. A few days ago, the company revealed the first official images of the EZ-60, a fully electric SUV aimed squarely at the Tesla Model Y and other players in the segment. Thanks to new information from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, we’re getting a more complete picture of what to expect, including confirmation that a range-extender variant is on the way.

Read: Mazda’s Model Y Fighter Is Here But America Isn’t Getting It

While Mazda continues to produce strong internal combustion models and even set a US sales record last year, its electric efforts haven’t exactly impressed. The MX-30, the brand’s first EV, was limited by high pricing and a frustratingly short range, making it an expected but still disappointing flop in the States.

That puts a lot of weight on the shoulders of the EZ-60, which represents Mazda’s next serious push into the global EV market. Outside of China, including Europe, the compact crossover will be sold under a different name, the CX-6e, but the mission remains the same.

Sharp Looks

The design of the new EV takes inspiration from last year’s Arata concept, and while it’s clearly identifiable as a Mazda, it looks much more menacing than any other SUV currently in the brand’s range. The signature grille shape has been retained, although the front end now sports slim LED DRLs and an LED strip running beneath the faux grille. The Mazda logo also lights up for some extra visual drama.

According to the newly released specs, the EZ-60 measures 4,850 mm (190.9 inches) in length, 1,935 mm (76.1 inches) in width, and 1,620 mm (63.7 inches) in height. Its wheelbase stretches 2,902 mm (114.2 inches). For reference, the Tesla Model Y is slightly smaller in most dimensions, coming in at 4,790 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall, with a 2,890 mm wheelbase. The EZ-60 is also closely matched in size to the Zeekr 7X, one of China’s more promising new EVs expected to reach global markets soon.

We also now know the EZ-60’s curb weight falls between 1,992 and 2,048 kg (4,391 to 4,515 lbs), making it heavier than a base Chevy Silverado with the 8-foot box and nearly as heavy as an entry-level Ford F-150. For context, Mazda’s own CX-50 and CX-5 weigh in at 3,741 and 3,679 lbs, respectively.

Chinese Bones

Built on the EPA1 modular platform (also used by Changan’s Deepal S07), the EZ-60 will come in both full EV and range-extender versions. Mazda hasn’t released full specs for the battery-only model yet, but the range-extender variant has been detailed.

It uses a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that functions solely as a generator, supplying power to a 31.7 kWh battery. That battery, in turn, powers a 255 hp electric motor driving the rear axle. While Mazda hasn’t shared range figures for the EZ-60, the related EZ-6 sedan R-EV offers up to 99 miles (160 km) of electric-only range, and up to 808 miles (1,300 km) when the engine is used to recharge the battery.

Inside: Screens, Screens, and More Screens

Moving to the interior, the biggest surprise is the dashboard. Despite its close ties to Mazda’s local EZ-6 sedan, which will be sold in Europe as the 6e, the EZ-60 features a massive 26.5-inch 5K display that spans the entire width of the dash. Unlike other setups that combine multiple screens under a single pane of glass, this is a single, uninterrupted panel.

If that’s not enough display real estate, there’s also a 100-inch augmented reality heads-up display (AR-HUD) that projects key driving information onto the windshield. On the downside, Mazda seems to have removed physical controls from the center console altogether, taking a cue from Tesla’s minimalist approach.

More: 2026 Mazda 6e EV Debuts In Europe To Battle The Tesla Model 3

As you might expect, the EZ-60 is loaded with tech. In total, the cabin features six screens, including streaming media rearview mirrors on both sides and a dedicated control screen for rear passengers. It’s a departure from Mazda’s typically restrained interior design, but that’s to be expected from a model primarily aimed at competing in the tech-forward Chinese market.

Mazda also confirmed a few comfort and convenience features, such as heated and ventilated seats for both front and rear passengers, and a 23-speaker sound system. Despite the tech overload, the company didn’t forget about utility. There are 20 storage compartments throughout the vehicle, along with a modest 350-liter rear trunk that expands to 2,036 liters with the seats folded down. A 126-liter front trunk adds extra practicality.

Additional reporting John Halas

Correction: A previous version of this article listed the curb weight as 2,590 kg (5,709 pounds), which appears to be the gross vehicle weight. The correct curb weight, according to the spec sheet, is between 1,992 and 2,048 kg (4,391 to 4,515 pounds). We apologize for the error.

You will never hear Tesla call the Cybertruck a flop, but by the company’s own projections, that’s exactly what it looks like. At one point, there were claims of nearly 2 million reservations for the electric pickup. As of March, however, Tesla had only built and sold about 46,000. The original plan was to produce 250,000 annually, and Elon Musk once suggested the company could move as many as 500,000 each year. However, it seems Tesla has found a good way to use those Cybertrucks it can’t sell.

Read: What Happened To Musk’s 1 Million Cybertruck Reservations?

Earlier this week, a motorcade of Cybertrucks was spotted cruising through Temple, Texas, and one of those Cybertrucks stood out. It was towing a trailer with a red Tesla Model Y in a glass capsule, proudly advertising the electric SUV as being ‘Made in Texas.’ Desperate times call for desperate measures, and it seems Tesla wants to ensure that as many people as possible can see the new Model Y in person.

A Mobile Billboard, Tesla-Style

A Cybertruck towing the new Model Y around is actually a pretty smart marketing tool. Plenty of car manufacturers pay big bucks to buy advertising space on massive billboards near highways, but Tesla has always shied away from typical marketing campaigns.

In this case, it’s essentially towing around a giant billboard, except it’s not a picture of a car, but the car itself. The Model Y in question is painted in Ultra Red, too, which just so happens to be the best color that Tesla offers.

Now, will the sight of a red Model Y Juniper convince Texans to buy a new Tesla? Who knows, but it’s a good way to drum up some attention for their latest EV. After all, there are already social media posts about it, and we’re writing about it, too. That’s more than can be said for most static billboards from legacy automakers, and it fits with Tesla’s long-running preference for unconventional marketing tactics.

Tesla Model Y on Display in Glass Cage | Spotted in Temple, TX
byu/OshinOfficial inTeslaLounge

Tesla is facing a lawsuit in California from an owner who claims the company’s odometers exaggerate how far its vehicles have traveled. According to the complaint, Tesla allegedly does this on purpose to avoid covering warranty repairs and to accelerate the depreciation of its vehicles.

The lawsuit argues that Tesla does not use mechanical or electronic systems to measure distance. Instead, Tesla reportedly relies on “predictive algorithms, energy consumption metrics, and driver behavior multipliers that manipulate and misrepresent the actual mileage traveled by Tesla vehicles.”

Read: Tesla Finally Launches Cheaper Model Y Juniper In America

By “tying warranty limits and lease mileage caps to inflated odometer readings,” Tesla can allegedly increase repair revenue and reduce its warranty obligations. It can also cause consumers to purchase extended warranties prematurely.

The case was filed by Nyree Hinton, who says they bought a 2020 Tesla Model Y in December 2022 with 36,772 miles on it. Hinton states that from December 14, 2022, to February 6, 2023, they averaged 55.54 miles per day, but between March 26, 2023, and June 28, 2023, this spiked to 72.53 miles per day, just as the Model Y was approaching its warranty expiration. The owner estimates that the average mileage should have been roughly 20 miles fewer per day because of their consistent routine during this time.

Additionally, previous vehicles owned by the plaintiff averaged 6,086 miles over six months, but the Model Y reported 13,228 miles over the same period. The lawsuit claims the mileage shown by Tesla’s odometer can be inflated from 15% to as much as 117%.

The plaintiff notes that while Tesla can measure its vehicles using GPS with incredible precision, a patent from the EV maker apparently says the odometer readings are not direct measurements of distance traveled and use a “miles-to-electrical energy conversion factor” that varies dynamically based on road and traffic conditions.

These Complaints Aren’t New

This isn’t the first time Tesla owners have questioned how mileage is calculated. For years, some have raised concerns about their cars showing unexpectedly high mileage. Some threads on Reddit and Tesla forums claim that these issues have persisted for over two years, with owners trading anecdotes and comparisons that echo the claims in Hinton’s lawsuit.

Public opinion on Elon Musk isn’t exactly glowing these days, and that discontent isn’t limited to the United States. Across the Atlantic in the UK, backlash against Tesla and its high-profile CEO has been gaining steam.

Most recently, a group calling itself “Everyone Hates Elon” organized an event where a 2014 Tesla Model S was systematically destroyed in what they described as both a protest and a live art installation. The display was part of a broader campaign against Musk, which has been growing in visibility.

Read: Trump’s Commerce Secretary Said Tesla Stock Would Never Be This Cheap, The Market Called His Bluff

The black Model S was provided by an anonymous donor and placed at Hardess Studios in south London. Participants then vented their frustrations by smashing the electric sedan with sledgehammers and baseball bats. What started as a perfectly good Tesla ended up as one where every single body panel has been destroyed, and it looks like it’s been involved in a devastating crash.

The Everyone Hates Elon group appears to have gained traction through social media and has attracted attention with provocative materials, including stickers that read, “Don’t buy a Swasticar.”

Among those participating was Alice Rogers, a researcher from Illinois currently working at the University of Cambridge. She said the protest offered an outlet for frustration over what she sees happening back in the US.

“Musk is acting in ways which violate our constitution. I’m very concerned by what I’m seeing – he’s gutting agencies and cutting USAID,” she told The Guardian. Another participant, 32-year-old Giles Pearson, pinpointed Musk’s rightwing politics as the reason why he wanted to wreck the Model S.

Anti-Musk Actions Escalate in the UK

The campaign against Musk has intensified across the UK, with guerrilla-style messaging appearing in public spaces. Fake advertisements have popped up at bus stops with slogans like, “Autopilot for your car. Autocrat for your country”, “Now With White Power Steering,” and “The Fast and the Führer.”

The New York Times reports that several anti-Musk groups have popped up across Europe, many of them sharing the dual aim of damaging Tesla’s brand and sinking its stock value. Some are explicitly focused on disrupting sales and targeting the company’s public image.

“There’s never been a target exactly like this,” John Gorenfeld from the ‘Takedown Tesla’ group said. “Nobody who is that rich and powerful has behaved that outrageously. There’s something campy and ridiculous about Musk’s brand of toxicity. And it opens up a real space to ridicule.”

Screenshot Wion via YouTube

Car buyers looking for a break may be in for a short-lived reprieve. While vehicle prices are widely expected to rise in response to the Trump administration’s new tariff policy, March offered a rare moment of calm. Both new and used car prices dipped slightly compared to February, and on average, they were less than 1% higher than they were in March 2024.

It’s a temporary win for shoppers, but don’t expect it to last. Once dealers run through their pre-tariff inventory, the market is likely to shift.

Read: Crushing Import Tariffs Could Kill Audi’s Best-Selling Model In America

Data from Cox Automotive reveals that the average monthly transaction price for new cars in the US last month was $47,462. This is a small decline from the $47,577 of February. Curiously, the ATP discrepancy between ICE models and EVs has actually increased recently, even though EVs should, in theory, be approaching price parity.

EV Prices Push Higher

Estimates put the average ATP of a new EV in March at $59,205. This is a 7% increase year-over-year and up from $57,015 in February. This is in part due to rising Tesla prices, with its ATPs estimated at $54,582, or 3.5% higher year-over-year, and jumping 4.5% from February, too.

Average transaction prices at other brands have also jumped. For example, Land Rover ATPs hit $107,129 in March, up 8.8% from February’s figure of $98,478. They are also up 6.1% year-over-year. Lincoln and Mitsubishi ATPs also rose 4.7% and 4.3% month-over-month, hitting $68,281 and $31,692, respectively.

Not All Prices Are Rising

A few automakers actually posted lower ATPs in March. For example, they were down 5% at Cadillac in March, dropping to $74,078. They also declined 5.8% at Jaguar to $64,403, and were down 2.6% at Dodge and Infiniti, falling to $49,548 and $62,276, respectively.

Cox Automotive’s data also reveals that total market sales climbed significantly in March, even though prices and incentives largely remained steady. It estimates that 1.59 million new vehicles were sold last month in the US. If accurate, this would represent the best sales volume month in nearly four years and is a 30% increase from February.

Read: Average EV Transaction Price $6,300 Higher Than Gas Cars

The reason is simple. Many car shoppers have been rushing to buy a new vehicle before the tariffs hit and increase prices across the market.

“All signs point to higher prices this summer, as existing ‘pre-tariff’ inventory is sold down to be eventually replaced with ‘tariffed’ inventory,” Cox executive analyst Erin Keating said. “How high prices rise for consumers is still very much to be determined, as each automaker will handle the price puzzle differently. Should the White House posture hold, our team is expecting new vehicles directly impacted by the 25% tariff to see price increases in the range of 10-15%.”

The McMurtry Spéirling Pure is unlike any other car on the planet. And, as it turns out, it can also go around the Top Gear Test Track unlike any other, too, setting a new outright lap record with ease. While the British EV looks a little funky, there’s no questioning its performance credentials.

Top Gear managed to get its hands on the Spéirling Pure, and it knew it was going to be fast. However, it wasn’t clear if it would be able to topple the Renault R24 Formula 1 car that lapped the circuit in 59.0 seconds back in 2004. Not only did the McMurtry topple that record, but it absolutely destroyed it. The EV needed just 55.9 seconds to complete a lap.

Watch: McMurtry Spéirling Sucks So Much That It Just Made History By Driving Upside Down

The speed at which the Spéirling accelerates and can handle corners is mind-boggling. It needs just 1.5 seconds to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) and cancorner harder and faster than an F1 car. Thanks to its complex fan system, it produces 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs) of downforce at a standstill. The Pure is even more insane than the original prototype, which smashed the Goodwood hillclimb record a few years back.

It comes standard with wider front and rear slick tires and can pull more than 3G in the corners. It also delivers 999 hp, has a 60 kWh battery pack, weighs just 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg), and tops out at 190 mph (306 km/h). The Stig wasn’t able to hit the Spéirling’s vmax at the track, but did get it up to 177 mph (285 km/h).

When watching the onboard video, you could be excused for thinking you’re watching a video game that’s been sped up. The grip on offer is truly insane and out of every corner, the McMurtry bolts off into the distance like a scalded cat.

To put the car’s time into perspective, it didn’t just beat a 2004 F1 car, but it slashed 13 seconds off the Aston Martin Valkyrie‘s time, which until now held the record for the fastest road-legal car ever tested by Top Gear with a time of 1:09.6.

Lexus isn’t exactly known for rushing into things, but when it moves, it tends to do so with quiet confidence. Now, it looks like the Lexus family is set to expand once again with the addition of a new all-electric three-row SUV. We’re getting an early sense of what it might look like, and it’s shaping up to be an interesting electric counterpart to the brand’s existing offerings.

More: Toyota And Lexus Will Launch 15 EVs By 2027 And That’s Just The Start

The new model, likely to be called the TZ, will share its underpinnings with a Toyota-branded sibling known as the bZ5X. It’s expected to fill the role of a three-row alternative to the gas-powered Lexus TX, stepping into a space that’s growing fast in the EV market, where size, range, and badge cachet all matter.

To show how this new model may look, designer Theophilus Chin, also known as Theottle, has taken the Lexus Electrified SUV concept unveiled back in 2021 and made some production adjustments to it. While we won’t know how the TZ looks until Lexus starts testing some prototypes out in public, it would make sense for the brand to base it heavily on this concept.

A Familiar Face With Slight Tweaks

At the front, Theottle’s rendering swaps out the concept’s dramatic headlights for more conventional units, ones more in line with the current Lexus design language. The lighting elements below them, along with the shape of the front bumper, remain untouched, suggesting Lexus might not stray too far from its conceptual roots.

Moving along the sides, a few practical changes appear. The flush door handles of the concept are gone and have been replaced with more traditional hardware. A new set of wheels has also been added, and normal wing mirrors have been installed. It’s all standard production-car stuff, but necessary if this thing is going to hit a dealership lot.

The most obvious change made to the rear of the TZ is the fitment of smaller taillights that do not stretch as far down the rear quarter panels. Despite this, we think the rear of the new three-row Lexus still looks a little busy, and we hope Lexus’s designers come up with something more attractive than this.

Read: Lexus Kills Off The RC And RC F Coupes After 11 Years

Little is known about the production model, but in 2023, Lexus applied to trademark the TZ450e and TZ550e names, indicating that at least two electric models are being prepared. Lexus could use the same 77 kWh battery offered in the new RZ, but given the size and expected weight of this three-row SUV, it seems likely the TZ550e will need a pack with increased capacity. For comparison, the Kia EV9, one of the few EVs in this segment already on sale, offers a choice between 76.1 kWh and 99.8 kWh battery packs.

Talking about the RZ, the entry-level version is the RZ 350e that features a single electric motor at the front axle with 224 hp (167 kW) and 198 lb-ft (269 Nm) of torque and has a 357-mile (575 km) range. The RZ 500e packs two electric motors that deliver 375 hp (280 kW) for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 4.6 seconds and has a lower estimated range of 311 miles (500 km).

For the 2026 model year, Lexus added the RZ 550e F Sport to the lineup. It produces 402 hp (300 kW) from its dual-motor setup and accelerates to 100 km/h (96 mph) in 4.4 seconds. That added performance, however, comes at a cost as range drops to 280 miles (450 km). Since the TZ will be larger and heavier than the RZ, to quote Jaws‘ most iconic line, Lexus is gonna need a bigger boat – em, I mean battery.

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Electric vehicle sales in the United States are gaining ground, but the road to mainstream dominance is still a long one. While EVs made a notable leap forward in the first quarter of 2025, they continue to account for only a fraction of total new car sales. Some automakers rode a wave of growth with new models and fresh demand, while others—Tesla included—faced early-year setbacks.

Read: Tesla’s Q1 Collapse Fueled VW’s Shock Rise In The EV Race

In total, 296,227 electric vehicles were sold nationwide between January and March, marking an 11.4 percent increase over the 265,981 units delivered during the same period last year. New data shows that General Motors had a particularly strong showing, with more than 30,000 GM EVs finding buyers in Q1—nearly doubling its output from a year ago. A mix of fresh offerings from Chevrolet and GMC helped drive the gains, while Cadillac continued to post steady performance.

GM Surges with Chevrolet and GMC

Chevrolet alone sold 19,186 electric vehicles in Q1 2025, a 114.2% increase over the 8,957 units it moved in the same quarter last year. The big success story was the Equinox EV, which led the brand’s lineup with 10,329 sales. The Blazer EV followed with a staggering 931.2% increase—rising from just 600 units in Q1 2024 to 6,187 units. The Silverado EV also posted a strong debut with 2,383 deliveries. Meanwhile, the Bolt EV and EUV were essentially absent, with only 13 units sold after GM officially discontinued the models two months ago.

GMC contributed solid numbers as well. The Hummer EV pickup and SUV posted a combined 3,479 sales, up 108.6%, while the brand also moved 1,249 units of the new Sierra EV.

According to Cox Auto, Porsche recorded the highest EV growth rate of any brand, with sales up 249% thanks to the arrival of the new Macan Electric. Toyota’s EV sales climbed 195.7% to 5,610 units, the Volkswagen Group jumped 183%, and Volvo spiked 172.9% on the strength of the new EX30 and EX90 models.

Tesla Flounders While Others Flourish

Tesla by contrast, didn’t share in the early-year enthusiasm. The company saw its US sales drop 9% year-over-year, delivering 128,100 vehicles in Q1. Still, even with the decline, Tesla holds a commanding 43.5% share of the U.S. EV market—nearly half of all electric cars sold.

Several other automakers also saw declines. Mercedes-Benz posted the steepest drops, down a staggering 58%. Rivian followed with a 37% dip, and Kia slipped 24% compared to the same quarter last year.

Looking ahead, Cox Automotive expects the rest of the year to be anything but smooth. “The rest of 2025 will likely be a volatile one for EV sales in the U.S., despite the introduction of new product and healthy incentives,” the firm noted. Tariff-related headwinds could weigh heavily, particularly for automakers relying on imported materials. Steel and aluminum tariffs are already a hurdle, and with China supplying much of the world’s EV battery materials, the ongoing trade standoff may distort the market further.

Back in February, BMW pulled the curtain back on its all-electric Vision Driving Experience study, giving us a conceptual peek at what’s coming with the first M-branded Neu Klasse EV. The German brand’s design direction has faced its fair share of criticism in recent years, and while they’re trying to embrace a fresh new look, it seems not everyone is onboard with their latest vision.

Earlier this week, BMW published images of the Vision Driving Experience on its Instagram page, and the reception has not been all positive. A look through the comments shows that people have taken particular issue with the rear-end design of the EV, and we can’t blame them.

Read: BMW Vision Vehicle Is Our Best Look Yet At The iM3 Neue Klasse

We think BMW has done a nice job with the front-end design of its Neue Klasse concepts, ditching the hideous kidney grilles found on several existing models in favor of slimmer grilles that are joined seamlessly with the sharp LED headlights. However, the rear is a different story.

While the front of the concept sits quite low, as a sports sedan should, the rear end is much more upright and sits far higher than it needs to. The taillights are also positioned at the very top of the tailgate and look out of place.

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People haven’t held back in voicing their opinion. “What the hell is this rear view,” one comment with over 6,500 likes reads. “Y’all need to fire your designer,” a user says, while another with over 3,000 likes says, “Tf are those rear lights.”

One comment is a meme showing a large pile of excrement, while another says, “I will pay you a billion pounds not to make this.” A popular fitness influencer with 2.7 million followers also left a comment, saying “Front is smooth but what the *** is that rear.”

Since the piece went live, there have been a few positive comments sprinkled in, but they’re pretty much an afterthought, with likes numbering in the single digits. Safe to say, most people aren’t exactly lining up to praise this design.

So, what do you think – does BMW need to go back to the drawing board, or are we just nitpicking? In any case, at this point, the concept‘s rear end might be the least of the brand’s worries when it comes to public opinion.

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This eye-catching all-electric motorcycle is the TS Pro from Verge, and it’s just set a Guinness World Record for the furthest distance traveled by an electric motorbike. Over 16 hours, it was ridden 193 miles (310.6 km) around London and finished the trip with 7% charge still left in its battery pack.

Electric motorbikes have yet to take off in the same way as electric cars, in part because battery packs are heavy, and weight is the enemy on a two-wheeler. However, the TS Pro shows that it is possible to build a compelling electric bike with heaps of power, a usable range, and relatively manageable weight.

Read: Verge’s $87,000 Mika Häkkinen Edition Electric Super Bike Is A Hubless Wonder

Driving the TS Pro is a single hub-less electric motor at the rear with 137 hp and 738 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque. Verge says it needs just 3.5 seconds to hit 100 km/h (62 mph), meaning it can keep pace with some proper sports cars. The bike tips the scales at 540 lbs (245 kg), and while that’s hefty for a bike of this size, it’s not crazy. It also has a claimed riding range of 217 miles (350 km).

To see just how far the TS Pro can travel in the real world, Verge recruited two motorcycle influencers and let them ride the bike around inner London for 16 hours at an average speed of just 12 mph (19 km/h). The bike ended its run, having traveled an impressive 193 miles (311 km), setting a new record in the process.

Admittedly, riding around at slow speeds greatly benefits an EV like this. Had Verge attempted the record while sitting at highway speeds, there’s no way the TS Pro would have been able to travel anywhere near as far as it did.

Photos Verge Motorcycles

News about recent firings by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest for the Tesla CEO. During DOGE’s fiery critique of the federal workforce in February, it was revealed that several staff members from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Vehicle Automation Safety had been let go.

The tension between Musk and the NHTSA is hardly a secret. After all, the safety agency is currently investigating Tesla vehicles in eight active cases, and it is responsible for regulating self-driving technology. Musk has long promised that Tesla will deploy millions of robotaxis across the United States, a plan that would be more achievable with fewer regulatory hurdles standing in the way.

Read: Tesla Threatens Lawsuit After Canada Freezes $30M EV Rebates Over Shady Sales Claims

Speaking with The Financial Times, insiders revealed that approximately 30 people were fired from the NHTSA in February. It’s believed that those working in the NHTSA’s vehicle automation safety team were “disproportionately affected.” While it’s unclear precisely how many were fired from the specific department, DOGE cited poor performance in axing the jobs of these employees.

Despite the controversy surrounding the layoffs, it’s important to note that the NHTSA’s vehicle automation safety division was only formed in 2023. As a result, many employees were still in their probationary period, making it easier for the agency to terminate their employment. The total layoffs at NHTSA accounted for 4% of its workforce, which may seem small, but it raises concerns from some corners of the industry.

Potential Conflict of Interest

One unnamed Tesla manager expressed concern that the layoffs could weaken the NHTSA at a time when it needs more resources to tackle the challenges of autonomous vehicles. “Letting DOGE fire those in the autonomous division is sheer madness—we should be lobbying to add people to NHTSA,” the manager told the FT. “They need to be developing a national framework for autonomous vehicles, otherwise Tesla doesn’t have a prayer for scale in FSD or robotaxis.”

A former NHTSA employee also weighed in, noting, “There is a clear conflict of interest in allowing someone with a business interest influence over appointments and policy at the agency regulating them.”

Months after the EU imposed hefty tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, officials from China and the European Union are reportedly working on a deal that would allow them to avoid relying on those tariffs. Instead of sticking with tariffs, the two sides are now exploring the idea of setting minimum prices for China’s EVs as a potential solution.

Read: BMW Teams Up With Chinese EV Makers To Fight EU Tariffs In Court

A spokesperson from the European Commission confirmed that EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao recently had a chat and agreed to explore the minimum price idea. At this stage, more discussions are in the works, though no specifics have been shared just yet.

What’s on the Table?

As of now, there’s no clarity on what these minimum prices might look like. Sefcovic spoke with Reuters, emphasizing that any pricing rules would need to be just as effective and enforceable as tariffs, without creating additional complications.

The European Union imposed tariffs on Chinese-made EVs last year following a lengthy investigation to see if Chinese brands received unfair subsidies from their government, allowing them to build and sell EVs for far less than most Western rivals. Newly-enforced tariff rates vary depending on how much assistance individual brands received and how cooperative they were with the EU’s probe.

For example, Chinese conglomerate SAIC received the harshest penalty: a 35.3% tariff on top of the pre-existing 10% import duty. Other companies, like BYD and Geely, were hit with tariffs of 17% and 18.8%, respectively.

The decision to impose tariffs was far from unanimous. Ten EU countries voted in favor, but 12 abstained, and five voted against. Notably, Germany opposed the tariffs, and the country is now pleased that talks are underway to find a more balanced solution.

“Regardless of current global developments, it must also be discussed here how to reduce obstacles and distortions in international trade, rather than building new hurdles,” Germany’s auto industry association, the VDA, said in a statement.

As the negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether this minimum pricing strategy will gain traction or if it will be another attempt to sidestep deeper issues in global trade.

We all knew this was coming, or at least, we should have. Actually, it already happened once. The all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona only began deliveries earlier this year, but now a second wrecked example has surfaced at auction in Florida. And while it might be repairable, given the lukewarm reception to Dodge’s electric muscle car, we’re not holding our breath for a heroic restoration.

This dark blue Charger Daytona was involved in a wreck with just 1,085 miles (1,746 km) on the clock and is in a very sorry state. We don’t know exactly what happened, but the damage appears to be limited to the driver’s side. In all likelihood, it was either T-boned by another car or perhaps slid sideways into something, but that seems less likely as all four wheels look pristine.

More: First Wrecked Dodge Charger Daytona EV Surfaces

The driver’s door has been caved in from the impact, and the dents extend across part of the rear quarter panel. The impact was also strong enough to trigger the side curtain airbags, which more often than not turns a crash into an insurance write-off. Even though the Charger is almost brand-new, it seems the insurer decided it wasn’t worth repairing, perhaps in part because spare parts could be in short supply and some damage may have been done to the frame.

If the door and rear quarter panel are the only areas of damage, they should be easy enough to replace if anyone wants to be brave and revive this Charger Daytona. The Copart listing notes it’s the flagship Scat Pack model, meaning it has a pair of electric motors with a combined 670 hp and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque. These motors are fed by a 100.5 kWh battery pack.

Watch: Dodge Charger Still Thinks It’s 1970 And Racing Ford’s Fastest EV Just Proved It The Hard Way

And then there’s the wildcard option. Somewhere, a Dodge traditionalist is already grinning through a cloud of tire smoke, dreaming of yanking out the EV guts and shoehorning in a good old-fashioned HEMI V8. Would it be completely unnecessary and gloriously chaotic? Absolutely. But if there were ever a platform ripe for an identity crisis, it’s this one. Well, we don’t technically know if it’s possible, but hey, when has that ever stopped someone with a welder, a questionable parts stash, and a dream?

If nobody steps up to repair it, or commit heresy by stuffing a gas engine under the hood, there’s always the fallback plan: part it out. The battery and motors alone could find new life in some future EV project. Then again, given how early we are in this car’s life cycle, even that seems like a stretch. Either way, this Charger Daytona’s next chapter probably won’t look anything like Dodge imagined.

Copart

BYD has launched a pair of new EVs in China underpinned by its innovative new Super e-Platform. Although BYD seems to release a new EV every other week, the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV are particularly significant because they promise charging times almost on par with filling up an ICE-engined car with gas. If the automaker’s charging speed claims are accurate, the Han L and Tang L could solve one of the last remaining headaches of EV ownership.

The Super e-Platform is a 1000-volt architecture and was only announced back in March. In the case of the Han L sedan, all versions of it use an 83.2 kWh Blade battery, while the Tang L has a larger 100.5 kWh pack. According to BYD, the Han L can charge from 10-70% in just 6 minutes. Yes, that’s not a typo: six minutes. It can also gain 248 miles (400 km) of range in five minutes and takes just 20 minutes to charge the battery from 0-100%.

Read: BYD’s New 1,000 kW EVs Fill Up As Fast As Gas Cars

The Tang L EV also benefits from stupendous charging speeds. It can get 230 miles (370 km) over range in 5 minutes and needs just 30 minutes to charge from 0-100%. Admittedly, these charging speeds can only be achieved when using one of BYD’s new 1,000 kW fast chargers that were also unveiled in March. The company wants to install 4,000 of these chargers across China, but has not provided a timeline of when they’ll be available.

BYD Tang L

Prices for the Tang L start at 219,800 yuan (~$30,000) for the LiDAR Premium model and increase to 239,800 yuan or (~$32,700) for the LiDAR Flagship. Both of these versions have a 671 hp and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) electric motor driving the rear wheels and can travel up to 436 miles (701 km) on a single charge. Those seeking even more performance can opt for the AWD LiDAR Flagship for 279,800 yuan (~$38,100). It has dual electric motors with 778 hp and 373 miles (601 km) of CLTC range.

Three versions of the BYD Tang L have also been announced, and prices vary between 229,800 yuan (~$31,200) and 289,900 yuan (~$39,400). It easily outmuscles the sedan, with the base rear-wheel drive packing 788 hp and the dual-motor AWD version rated at 1,100 hp. Depending on the specification, local media quotes driving ranges between 348 miles (560 km) and 416 miles (670 km).

BYD Han L

Luxury carmakers have long tried to turn their vehicles into lifestyle statements, and Cadillac is leaning all the way in with a dining experience that’s more indulgence than transportation. The all-electric Escalade IQ is already one of the most luxurious SUVs on the market, and now Cadillac wants to show just how plush it really is.

Read: Cadillac Projects EVs Will Make Up 35% Of Its Sales This Year

To do that, the brand is expanding its “Cadillac of Reservations” experience, an upscale backseat dinner where guests are served a high-end meal inside the IQ.

Most of us have probably only ever eaten fast food in our cars, but Cadillac doesn’t expect its customers to chow down on a Big Mac. Instead, it’s partnered with high-end restaurants in Beverly Hills, Miami, and San Francisco, to serve up five-course dinners using the IQ’s stowable tray tables.

It sounds like an odd idea, but there’s something appealing about eating a fancy meal in the back of a Cadillac SUV, with the seats reclined, the massage and heated functions turned out, and the AKG 40-speaker sound system pumping a special song for each dish. It’s certainly much more private than eating at a packed-out restaurant.

The Cadillac of Reservations experience was first launched in New York City with COQODAQ where the restaurant’s famed fried signature was served up. On April 24, April 25, and April 26, the experience moves to Beverly Hills, thanks to La Dolce Vita, an Italian-American restaurant frequented by Hollywood A-listers. There will be just three seatings per night for parties of two, with reservations open through Resy.com later this month.

Next Stops: Miami and San Francisco

Following the Beverly Hills stop, the rolling restaurant heads to Miami in early summer. There, Cadillac teams up with COTE, a restaurant that blends Korean barbecue with American steakhouse style. In late summer, the tour wraps up in San Francisco, where State Bird Provisions will take over the backseat kitchen duties. The restaurant describes itself as adventurous and modern American.

For as perfect as the Cadillac Escalade IQ is to host a premium dining experience, the new Escalade IQL would perhaps be even better as it’s 4.2 inches (107 mm) longer than the standard model.

If you’re still intrigued—and honestly, who wouldn’t be at least a little curious about a five-course meal served in an electric SUV—here’s when you’ll be able to make a reservation:

• For April 24: April 21 HERE
• For April 25: April 22 HERE
• For April 26: April 23 HERE